‘The House of Mirrors and Hearts’ // Kleva Hive

‘The House of Mirrors and Hearts’ was poignant.

It was a evening of firsts on Thursday night for newly formed theatre company, Kleva Hive; first opening night, first audience and, for many who made up the audience, it was the first time they ever saw a production of ‘The House of Mirrors and Hearts’. This musical, that most people have never heard of, is a hidden gem in the theatre world, slotting perfectly into an Australian context. Every element of the set, lighting, costuming and props worked cohesively to tell a story that puts the extremities of human emotion on display. “All the women in this house are a disaster of their own design” was repeated throughout the production and truly captures the story of a dysfunctional family, torn apart by loss.

‘The House of Mirrors and Hearts’ explores the lives of a dysfunctional family who are haunted by the unexpected death of their father. Since the moment Laura was discovered with a blood spattered dress, holding a shard of glass above her dead father, the family has been festering in grief and blame. However, when an unwitting lodger joins the family, the house is forced to confront their past, reveal secrets and begin to heal wounds.

It is rare to watch a musical and have no clue which direction it’s heading, most have been performed so many times over that one subconsciously compares every moment to previous productions. ‘The House of Mirrors and Hearts’ allowed audiences to simply be present and discover the story at the same time as the characters. The intimate theatre at Metro Arts allowed spectators to feel as if they were looking into the living room of a family. Actors were able to fill the entire space with tension that was palpable to the audience.

This production didn’t call for an intricate lighting plot and it is to the credit of Director Dr Dan Jess for finding a way of using light as a story-telling method of its own. The simple stage wash alerted audiences to the passage of time by varying in intensity and a red hues punctuated the stage at poignant moments. It may have been nice to see a more choreographed sequence in the opening scene. The stage was immediately bathed in a straight wash as the characters replayed the moment when Young Laura (Tyallah Bullock) emerged from the workshop covered in blood, carrying a piece of shattered glass. For an image that is so visually striking, it may have been interesting to play with a less literal divulgence of the father’s death.

Thanks to an incredible three piece band, the music in ‘The House of Mirrors and Hearts’ was emotive and expertly played. While the band seemed to slightly overpower the actors in some of the quieter moments, the sound levels were generally well managed, allowing the skillfully composed score to shine.

It is rare to find a cast that slots together as perfectly as the one Director Dr. Dan Jess compiled for this production. In a small theatre there is nowhere to hide, however, this production allowed each actor to shine. Bonnie Fawcett (Laura) and Chris Kellett (David) delivered flawless vocals throughout the production, backed by emotional intensity. Fiona Buchanan allowed audiences to feel Anna’s pain and committed to every moment wholeheartedly.

Abigail Peace (Lily) was captivating on stage and delivered a performance that was nuanced and honest. Christopher Batkin (Nathan) did not waver in his execution for a single moment. It is difficult to trip, fumble and fall on stage with credibility yet Batkin accomplished this with great skill.

Tyallah Bullock (Young Laura) and Isabel Davies (Young Lily) were remarkably similar to their older counterparts and, although they were not on stage for long, it is clear these young actresses have a bright future ahead of them. While both actresses delivered a commendable performance, the script did lend itself to having younger actors playing these roles. Some of Davies’ lines felt a little unnatural simply because she was playing a character significantly younger than herself.

Next time you are at a loss for something to do on a weekend, why not go and support some independent theatre? ‘The House of Mirrors and Hearts’ not only entertained their audience but grappled with the love and hate of the human condition, leaving the audience with something to think about long after they left the theatre. Congratulations Kleva Hive on your first production, and thank you for providing a platform where stories can be told!

Sophie is a talented writer, actress, singer, teacher and all-round creative who is nearing the completion of her Bachelor degree majoring in Journalism and Drama. Having received several awards for her performances on stage, Sophie enjoys teaching drama in schools and performing around South East Queensland.

Upcoming Events

Event Details

Presented by Brisbane Arts Theatre
Theatre Performance
Two couples face off and fall out in the critically-acclaimed 'Reasons to be Pretty', a fresh and illuminating insight into how we value female beauty

Event Details

Presented by Brisbane Arts TheatreTheatre Performance

Two couples face off and fall out in the critically-acclaimed ‘Reasons to be Pretty’, a fresh and illuminating insight into how we value female beauty in modern society.

Greg and Stephanie have been together for some time when Greg has a slip of the tongue that pushes Stephanie to the edge. Their familiar struggles of wanting to be loved and wanting to understand each other are at the bedrock of this searing comedy.

Anyone who’s ever written a letter to an ex, felt ugly or generally wanted lover’s revenge will be delighted by ‘Reasons to be Pretty’ — a frank, honest and confronting contemporary story.

Event Details

Presented by Gold Coast Little TheatreMusical Theatre Performance

Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Wednesday, Pugsley, Grandmama and Lurch are the Addams family. Dark, gothic, with a slightly twisted viewpoint, this is a VERY funny musical you don’t want to miss!

‘The Addams Family’ features an original story, and it’s every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met. And if that weren’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on a fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s ‘normal’ boyfriend and his parents.

Event Details

Presented by Tweed Theatre Company
Musical Theatre Performance
'A Brown Slouch Hat' is a musical meander through the war years featuring the amazing songs, music and dances

Event Details

Presented by Tweed Theatre CompanyMusical Theatre Performance

‘A Brown Slouch Hat’ is a musical meander through the war years featuring the amazing songs, music and dances of this time. It takes the audience on a historical journey and an understanding of the famous Australian icon, the Brown Slouch Hat. This show has been devised and is directed by the very talented and local writer Doug Williams.

Event Details

Presented by Queensland Theatre, Brisbane Festival, Belvoir Street Theatre and Australian Theatre for Young People (atyp)Musical Theatre Performance

Meet Edna – she’s 14, chronically awkward, and everyone thinks she’s a serial liar. But none of this will matter when her REAL life starts. With Harry. There’s just one problem… Harry is in True Connection – the world’s biggest boyband.

The world premiere of ‘Fangirls’, by gifted young comedian, singer and playwright Yve Blake, is stacked with insanely catchy numbers that will take you straight back to your first crush and make you feel all the feels!

Event Details

Presented by Ipswich Musical Theatre Company
Musical Theatre Performance
Ipswich Musical Theatre Company (IMTC), that brought you sold out performances of 'The Phantom of the Opera' 2014, 'Mary Poppins' 2015,

Event Details

Ipswich Musical Theatre Company (IMTC), that brought you sold out performances of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ 2014, ‘Mary Poppins’ 2015, ‘Wicked’ 2016, ‘Les Miserables’ 2017, ‘Strictly Ballroom’ 2018 now brings you a brand new production of the world’s favourite feel-good musical ‘MAMMA MIA’!

On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three charismatic, good looking men from her mother’s past back the island they visited 20 years ago. The storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship.

Event Details

Presented by Javeenbah Theatre Company
Theatre Performance
Javeenbah Theatre's new show 'The 'Actress' is a touching and hilarious comedy about an actress making her farewell performance. In her pre-show dressing

Event Details

Presented by Javeenbah Theatre CompanyTheatre Performance

Javeenbah Theatre’s new show ‘The ‘Actress’ is a touching and hilarious comedy about an actress making her farewell performance. In her pre-show dressing room, the theatre’s biggest name prepares for her last show on stage. Her tranquillity is constantly disrupted, however, by figures from her personal and private lives, each wanting something of the actress. A biting and amusing look behind the curtain.

Event Details

Presented by Brisbane Arts Theatre
Theatre Performance
From the world-famous Discworld and Sir Terry Pratchett, 'Maskerade' sees the return of Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg, the Discworld's greatest witches, who attend an

Event Details

Presented by Brisbane Arts TheatreTheatre Performance

From the world-famous Discworld and Sir Terry Pratchett, ‘Maskerade’ sees the return of Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg, the Discworld’s greatest witches, who attend an innocent night at the opera.

The Opera House in Ankh-Morpork is a huge, rambling building, where masked figures and hooded shadows perform wicked deeds in the wings, where dying on stage is a little bit more than just a metaphor. There is going to be trouble, and the witches are on hand to save the day.

Now 21 years’ strong, our annual tradition of bringing Discworld to Brisbane continues with ‘Maskerade’. Brought to life with the expertise of our Pratchett team, it is an excellent introduction to this incredible fantasy realm.

Event Details

‘Spot’ and his friends are off on a new adventure to visit Spot’s Dad on the farm and meet the farm animals. But when they arrive, all the animals are lost! Can Spot and his friends find them all? They might need a little help from their new friends in the audience…

Eric Hill’s beloved puppy comes to life on stage with puppetry, songs and puzzles for children aged 18 months+ and their parents. Presented by arrangement with Salspot Limited, part of Penguin Random House.

Event Details

Presented by New Farm Nash TheatreTheatre Performance

A provocative, highly-involving play, brimming with clever wisecracks and some thought-provoking observations on sexual identity, ‘Straight’ very much reflects our 21st-century world and the conflicts, confusion and choices of a man struggling with his sexuality.

Funny, sad, sexy and surprising, ‘Straight’ is a three-character drama that deals with fidelity, identity and the moral complexity of a generation that prides itself on the pretence of acceptance. The show raises a lot of questions about labels in today’s society, yet it also addresses denial, and with a last-minute plot twist, it’s safe to say expect the unexpected.

Event Details

Presented by Ipswich Little Theatre
Theatre Performance
They wished for a star…then wished they hadn’t.
Jefferson, an ageing out of work, Hollywood action hero, is desperate to revive his flagging career.

Event Details

Presented by Ipswich Little TheatreTheatre Performance

They wished for a star…then wished they hadn’t.

Jefferson, an ageing out of work, Hollywood action hero, is desperate to revive his flagging career. When he arrives in England to play King Lear in Stratford he believes he has landed the role of a lifetime … only to discover he has committed to star as King Lear for a dramatic society in Stratford St. John, a sleepy English village in Suffolk.

Instead of performing with Kenneth Branagh and Dame Judy Dench, Jefferson’s monstrous ego (and insecurity) is tested to the limit by this enthusiastic group of amateurs. As acting worlds collide and his career implodes, he discovers some home truths about himself!

‘A Bunch of Amateurs’ is a comedic clash of cultures packed with laugh-a-minute dialogue and plenty of twists and turns ensue in this hilarious and ultimately moving British comedy.

Event Details

Presented by Logan Entertainment Centre
Music Performance
'MZAZA' is an award-winning, internationally touring six-piece with French and gypsy influences featuring musicians from France, Bosnia, Greece, Latvia, and Australia. This is

Event Details

Presented by Logan Entertainment CentreMusic Performance

‘MZAZA’ is an award-winning, internationally touring six-piece with French and gypsy influences featuring musicians from France, Bosnia, Greece, Latvia, and Australia. This is a band of friends who have found each other at the end of the world to make music that blurs geographical and cultural boundaries. ‘MZAZA’s’ concerts are highly interactive with young audiences waltzing, singing in foreign languages, clapping in crazy rhythms and learning a super fun Romanian dance. During the show, the singing workshop participants are invited to join the band on stage to perform one of the songs they learnt. Kids also love the after-show meet and greet with ‘MZAZA’s’ musicians.

Be one of the first 25 people to book tickets to ‘MZAZA in Concert’ and receive the pre-show singing workshop for free. Children will sing and dance then join ‘MZAZA in Concert’ as part of the show.

Event Details

Presented by Passion Productions
Musical Theatre Performance
Based on the classic novel which inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire, 'Daddy Long Legs' is a beloved tale in the spirit

Event Details

Presented by Passion ProductionsMusical Theatre Performance

Based on the classic novel which inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire, ‘Daddy Long Legs’ is a beloved tale in the spirit of Jane Austen, the Brontë Sisters, and “Downton Abbey”. This heartwarming Cinderella story about a witty and winsome young woman and her mysterious benefactor has charmed audiences of all ages from Los Angeles to London.

Critics are cheering: ‘Daddy Long Legs’ has “echoes of She Loves Me and top-notch performances” and “is one of the most enthralling, entertaining and moving love stories on the American musical theatre stage.”

Organizer

Event Details

Presented by Logan Entertainment Centre, A Little Red Company and Critical Stages Production
Music Performance
From the creators of celebrated Australian works, 'Rumour Has It' and 'Wrecking Ball' comes the

Event Details

From the creators of celebrated Australian works, ‘Rumour Has It’ and ‘Wrecking Ball’ comes the must-see live music event of the year: ‘Lady Beatle’ – a kaleidoscopic journey through The Beatles’ most monumental hits.

Starring UK-born Australian stage and screen star Naomi Price (‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’, ‘Rumour Has It’, ‘Ladies In Black’, ‘The Voice Australia’) and inspired by true accounts, ‘Lady Beatle’ is a rollicking magical mystery tour soundtracked by The Beatles’ biggest chart-toppers, including “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds”, “Eleanor Rigby”, “Yellow Submarine” and “Penny Lane”.

Flanked by a live band, Price transports audiences to 1960’s Liverpool, taking the audience along for the ride as she riffs off the cuff, invites them to join in the big numbers, and ultimately has them on their feet for the show’s epic mega-mix finale dance party.

‘Lady Beatle’ proved a runaway hit when it premiered at La Boite Theatre Company in 2017, drawing capacity audiences and standing ovations at each performance and unanimous critical and audience acclaim. It epitomises The Little Red Company’s unmistakable brand of cabaret: tremendous heart and charm, world-class musicianship, seamless audience interaction, striking design and a triumphant central performance from Naomi Price.

Event Details

Presented by Queensland Theatre, Brisbane Festival, Belvoir Street Theatre and Australian Theatre for Young People (atyp)Musical Theatre Performance

Meet Edna – she’s 14, chronically awkward, and everyone thinks she’s a serial liar. But none of this will matter when her REAL life starts. With Harry. There’s just one problem… Harry is in True Connection – the world’s biggest boyband.

The world premiere of ‘Fangirls’, by gifted young comedian, singer and playwright Yve Blake, is stacked with insanely catchy numbers that will take you straight back to your first crush and make you feel all the feels!

Event Details

Presented by Brisbane Arts Theatre
Theatre Performance
From the world-famous Discworld and Sir Terry Pratchett, 'Maskerade' sees the return of Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg, the Discworld's greatest witches, who attend an

Event Details

Presented by Brisbane Arts TheatreTheatre Performance

From the world-famous Discworld and Sir Terry Pratchett, ‘Maskerade’ sees the return of Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg, the Discworld’s greatest witches, who attend an innocent night at the opera.

The Opera House in Ankh-Morpork is a huge, rambling building, where masked figures and hooded shadows perform wicked deeds in the wings, where dying on stage is a little bit more than just a metaphor. There is going to be trouble, and the witches are on hand to save the day.

Now 21 years’ strong, our annual tradition of bringing Discworld to Brisbane continues with ‘Maskerade’. Brought to life with the expertise of our Pratchett team, it is an excellent introduction to this incredible fantasy realm.

Event Details

Presented by New Farm Nash TheatreTheatre Performance

A provocative, highly-involving play, brimming with clever wisecracks and some thought-provoking observations on sexual identity, ‘Straight’ very much reflects our 21st-century world and the conflicts, confusion and choices of a man struggling with his sexuality.

Funny, sad, sexy and surprising, ‘Straight’ is a three-character drama that deals with fidelity, identity and the moral complexity of a generation that prides itself on the pretence of acceptance. The show raises a lot of questions about labels in today’s society, yet it also addresses denial, and with a last-minute plot twist, it’s safe to say expect the unexpected.

Event Details

Presented by Ipswich Little Theatre
Theatre Performance
They wished for a star…then wished they hadn’t.
Jefferson, an ageing out of work, Hollywood action hero, is desperate to revive his flagging career.

Event Details

Presented by Ipswich Little TheatreTheatre Performance

They wished for a star…then wished they hadn’t.

Jefferson, an ageing out of work, Hollywood action hero, is desperate to revive his flagging career. When he arrives in England to play King Lear in Stratford he believes he has landed the role of a lifetime … only to discover he has committed to star as King Lear for a dramatic society in Stratford St. John, a sleepy English village in Suffolk.

Instead of performing with Kenneth Branagh and Dame Judy Dench, Jefferson’s monstrous ego (and insecurity) is tested to the limit by this enthusiastic group of amateurs. As acting worlds collide and his career implodes, he discovers some home truths about himself!

‘A Bunch of Amateurs’ is a comedic clash of cultures packed with laugh-a-minute dialogue and plenty of twists and turns ensue in this hilarious and ultimately moving British comedy.

Event Details

Presented by Passion Productions
Musical Theatre Performance
Based on the classic novel which inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire, 'Daddy Long Legs' is a beloved tale in the spirit

Event Details

Presented by Passion ProductionsMusical Theatre Performance

Based on the classic novel which inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire, ‘Daddy Long Legs’ is a beloved tale in the spirit of Jane Austen, the Brontë Sisters, and “Downton Abbey”. This heartwarming Cinderella story about a witty and winsome young woman and her mysterious benefactor has charmed audiences of all ages from Los Angeles to London.

Critics are cheering: ‘Daddy Long Legs’ has “echoes of She Loves Me and top-notch performances” and “is one of the most enthralling, entertaining and moving love stories on the American musical theatre stage.”

Organizer

Event Details

Presented by Logan Entertainment Centre
Theatre Performance
One football club, one family and one unforgettable NRL Grand Final!
Where were you the night of the 2015 NRL Grand Final? The night

Event Details

Presented by Logan Entertainment CentreTheatre Performance

One football club, one family and one unforgettable NRL Grand Final!

Where were you the night of the 2015 NRL Grand Final? The night when long-time underdogs the North Queensland Cowboys won in an all-QLD nail-biter that changed the game, and the state, forever. For one family of Cowboys diehards, their whole lives have led up to this moment. Jess was born on the night of the North Queensland Cowboys’ first game in Townsville. Daughter of Foley Shield legend Frank ‘Black Flash’ Wright, she grew up as a footy fanatic with big dreams, silky skills and boundless ambition to play. But as a girl in a male-dominated sport, she faces more than her fair share of knockbacks, just like the luckless Cowboys. Despite their relentless string of losses, Jess still dares to believe in her team and herself.

Queensland Theatre joins forces with debase productions and JUTE Theatre Company in Cairns to bring this iconically Queensland story to audiences of Logan.

‘The Longest Minute’ is written by Robert Kronk and Nadine McDonald-Dowd, and directed by Bridget Boyle.

Warning: this production contains strong coarse language, haze and strobe.

Event Details

When his younger sister, Stacy, wants to check out the rave scene, Ben knows he’ll have to watch out for her. And tonight she’s going to drop her first ecstasy pill. Later, as Ben struggles to forgive himself, his mother retreats into the Church. But the time will come when both must face the truth about what really happened that night.

Set in the 90s, but with timeless themes and life lessons, ‘X-Stacy’ is an important experience for young people, as well as their parents and families alike. Past audiences continue to comment on the relevance and necessity of this theatrical experience in today’s world. ‘X-Stacy’is a play about the struggles of adolescence, the challenges of life and the need for love and family. Written by Queensland playwright, Margery Forde, the play is returning to the Brisbane stage this September, over 20 years since it was first performed at La Boite Theatre.

Event Details

Presented by Brisbane Arts Theatre
Theatre Performance
More than 70 years after its Broadway opening, 'The Glass Menagerie' continues to captivate and overwhelm audiences around the world with its intricate style and

Event Details

Presented by Brisbane Arts TheatreTheatre Performance

More than 70 years after its Broadway opening, ‘The Glass Menagerie’ continues to captivate and overwhelm audiences around the world with its intricate style and unforgettable storytelling.

A domineering mother, a daughter lost in a world of her own, and a son desperate to leave. Former southern belle Amanda Wingfield enlists the help of her son, Tom, to find a husband for her fragile daughter. But will the ‘gentleman caller’ fulfil or shatter the family’s delicate dreams?

‘The Glass Menagerie’ tells the story of a family through the memories of Tom, laying bare emotional ties revealing that while memories may warm you, they may also tear you apart.

Event Details

Presented by Queensland TheatreTheatre Performance

In this lyrical adaptation of Sophocles’ timeless tragedy, award-winning Brisbane playwright Merlynn Tong adds an urgent modern twist to ‘Antigone’, reuniting Christen O’Leary and Jessica Tovey after their triumphant pairing in ‘Twelfth Night’.

A great city has been torn apart by a civil war between two brothers. In the aftermath, both lie dead – one hailed as a hero and lying in state, the other condemned as a traitor and dumped in a carrion pile. From the ashes of their conflict rises a dystopian state under a new leader – a career politician who rose to power by dint of her ruthlessness. Grieving and heartbroken, their sister Antigone challenges the leader for the right to bury and mourn her dead brother with dignity, sparking a furious act of rebellion that will shake the city to its foundations.

Event Details

Presented by Brisbane Arts Theatre
Theatre Performance
'The Beast' is a modern-day satire that will tear your notions of morality to shreds, hilariously lampooning urban culture, organic lifestyles and infidelity.
After surviving a

Event Details

Presented by Brisbane Arts TheatreTheatre Performance

‘The Beast’ is a modern-day satire that will tear your notions of morality to shreds, hilariously lampooning urban culture, organic lifestyles and infidelity.

After surviving a near-death experience, a group of close friends wipe the slate clean and embrace a tree change, living a sustainable life in the country. But nature isn’t always so welcoming, and when the friends are faced with slaughtering their own food, the floodgates open on some ugly and shocking truths.

With decorum collapsing like a house of cards, ‘The Beast’ is a breath of fresh disgusting air, from one of Australia’s greatest comedy writers.